Unfortunately, the movement speed from laughing shadow is a status bonus and thus doesn't stack with most movement speed increase abilities, including monk's.
I sorta disagree with you on the temp hp from inexorable iron being ranked so low, because it refreshes every single round that you meet the requirements, and if you're getting hit(which you will because melee character) every round, having your temp hp refresh every round significantly increases your survivability
Dimensional Assault doesn't need you to teleport to a "monster", it just says creature. You can use friends as beacons to teleport anywhere and attack them with a Fist attack (saying you're going lethal to get a -2), so even if you hit them you just do 1d4+Str and, here's the kicker, you can ATTACK YOURSELF with the Strike if you don't want to hit an ally. Also, Dimensional Assault can get you out of any "trapped" situation if you have a target in range. Locked in a jail? Teleport via windows or bars if you have any target. Want to appear into a room without opening the door? Teleport via window, holes in doors or keyholes if you have a target. You can even create targets if you carry little flasks with insects, vermin or similar creatures or if the party has a familiar or animal companion which can help. I think Dimensional Assault is one of the best and probably the most dynamic 1st level Focus Spell.
I haven't had the chance to play one yet, but it seems to me that the magus will want to Spellstrike as often as possible. Something worth considering is how well each subclass can accomplish that, given its default equipment. While I agree with you that Starlit Span's features are not as strong overall as those of the other Hybrid Studies, where it does excel is in targeting, and therefore in action economy. To recharge Spellstrike, the magus must either a) spend an action to recharge it or b) recharge it as part of using a conflux spell. In round one, you have an action to move, if need be, and then Spellstrike. In subsequent rounds, you will need to recharge and Spellstrike. What that doesn't give you the opportunity to do is move, unless you can move as part of a conflux spell. That seems to be a big advantage for Starlit Span, in that you can stand in one spot and shoot with a bow, easily cycling through Spellstrike and an action to recharge every round. For other Hybrid Studies, it is more difficult, because you are using melee weapons. Laughing Shadow at least gives you movement with your conflux spell, and not just any movement, but a teleport. Laughing Shadow also gives you extra speed, making any movement more efficient. Inexorable Iron encourages you to use a big weapon, and a reach weapon plus Enlarge, as your animation aptly showed, does cover a lot of sins. Likewise, Twisting Tree at least gives you some reach. I love the features of Sparkling Targe, just as you do, but this seems to be the inherently weakest Hybrid Study for targeting. While wielding a shield, your options for reach with a one-handed weapon are few, far between, and have small damage dice. As I consider what kind of magus to play, Spellstrike, the three-action economy and targeting are foremost in my mind. I love your videos. Keep up the great work!
Level 1 - Ancient Elf(Swash dedication), Magus Laughing Shadow, gains Panache which is Nimble Elf + 1 circunstance bonus to Tumble Through (though the status bonuses don't add). Level 4 - Tumble Behind(Swash) = Stride/2 over enemy squares giving flat-footed without Attacks of Opportunity, spellstrike with arcane cascade on. Level 12(or 14) - Vexing Tumble(Swash) = Flat-foot everyone next to you moving through the squares + Expansive Spellstrike if you want defense, pick Nimble Dodge for +2AC on reaction against one attack or Dueling Parry for +2AC until next turn on action. Don't take Goading Feint because Distracting Spellstrike can't add other bonuses for Feinting from feats or skills. You can get Spell Parry but you will only get the same bonus from Nimble Dodge at lvl 15 with Preternatural Parry, I guess.
The only issue I have is while Starlit Span on a surface glance doesn't seem to be strong, but that's only a surface glance. The majority of the feats that have anything to do with spellstrike have special caveats that come into play specifically for the starlit span, it's also the only subclass that can use fireball with expansive spellstrike without hitting itself, and can tactically aim a lightning bolt around a corner that they're nowhere near.
Distracting spellstrike is even better than said in the video. The feint action of the activity lower the ennemy AC through the flat footed condition which is a requirement for the add damage of the laughing shadow hybrid study. What it does is give a better action economy to the main solo combo of the laughing shadow sub-class. This action is so good that even as a focus spell it would have been viable :)) .
I wish the conflux spell would recharge the spellstrike when taken with a multiclass feat. I mean, it is balanced but I want a reason to take the "nothing personal kid" spell over other feats with my Rogue. Especially when I have mobility. Maybe I'll just circle around an enemy in a light-toned combat encounter if I get the opportunity.
I wish Pathfinder 2e had the equivalent of the new class called Mist Walker. This allows a variation of teleportation with option to hit any opponent.personally I’d wish it were an innate ability rather than a class as a monk or assassin would greatly benefit!
I feel like Twisting Tree should get bonus points for having full use of magical staves while wielding your weapon. Other Magi have to whip the staff out to cast buffs from a staff even if they take the staff fuse thing given that only lets you spellstrike out of the staff in fused form.
Loved the video. I am looking forward to one of my players picking up this class in my next campaign. Just saying, Goltech degrees are pretty useless, just like having an investigator on the team.
